Questions are mounting over Kenya’s handling of a high-profile money laundering case traced from Minnesota, United States, as lawyer Ndegwa Njiru publicly criticized local authorities for their silence.
Njiru, speaking on X, accused the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) of failing to act against what he described as a syndicate funneling illicit funds from the U.S. into Kenya.
“Why is the Asset Recovery Agency silent about the Minnesota money laundering syndicate? Why is Mohamed Amin, the DCI director, silent?” Njiru wrote.
The lawyer suggested that the inaction could be linked to favoritism or fear of backlash from powerful individuals.
He added pointedly, “Amin, are you afraid of the big man? Or is this open favouritism?” Njiru also highlighted Amin’s age, noting the director has reportedly exceeded the retirement age of 60 while still holding office, calling it “unlawful” and urging him to act without bias.
The Minnesota case reportedly involves large sums of money traced by U.S. authorities to Kenyan accounts, but Kenyan agencies have yet to release details or confirm any investigations.
Njiru’s remarks shows concerns over the enforcement of Kenya’s anti-money laundering laws, especially in cases with cross-border implications.